# Orthodontics and Confidence: The Psychological Benefits of Straighter Teeth Publisher: Virtual Consultant Online Author: Virtual Consultant Online Published: 2026-08-27 Updated: 0001-01-01 Canonical URL: https://virtualconsultant.online/blog/confidence-after-braces-uk Citation metadata: https://virtualconsultant.online/citation.json?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvirtualconsultant.online%2Fblog%2Fconfidence-after-braces-uk Orthodontic treatment is usually described in clinical terms — bite correction, alignment, function. But for the majority of patients, the experience of completing treatment goes far beyond the technical outcome. Survey after survey finds that patients who complete orthodontic treatment report improvements in confidence, self-esteem, and social comfort that they describe as genuinely life-changing. Understanding the psychological dimension of orthodontic treatment — and the evidence behind it — is important context for anyone weighing whether treatment is worth the investment of time and money. Key takeaway A substantial body of research consistently finds that patients who undergo orthodontic treatment report significant improvements in self-confidence, social wellbeing, and quality of life after completing treatment. These improvements are reported by both teenagers and adults, and are typically described as exceeding patients’ expectations. The psychological benefits of orthodontic treatment are a legitimate and well-documented outcome — not a marketing claim — and they are increasingly recognised in clinical guidelines as a valid component of treatment need. ## What the Research Says The psychological impact of dental appearance and the effect of orthodontic treatment on wellbeing have been studied extensively. The findings are remarkably consistent: A systematic review published in the European Journal of Orthodontics found that orthodontic treatment consistently improved patients’ self-concept, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life across multiple studies and patient groups A landmark study using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) found that patients who completed orthodontic treatment reported significantly better oral health-related quality of life than untreated controls with similar levels of malocclusion Research from the British Orthodontic Society and the University of Manchester found that the most commonly reported benefits of treatment — by both patients and their families — were improved confidence and ability to smile without self-consciousness Studies on adult patients specifically find high rates of treatment satisfaction and report that adults frequently describe the decision to have orthodontic treatment as one they wish they had made sooner ## Why Dental Appearance Affects Confidence The connection between dental appearance and self-esteem is not superficial — it is deeply rooted in how humans perceive and present themselves socially. Research in social psychology has established that smiling is a primary channel of social communication. When people feel unable to smile openly — whether due to the appearance of their teeth or discomfort with their smile — it affects their behaviour in social situations, professional settings, and intimate relationships. Smile avoidance: many patients with significant malocclusion or misaligned teeth report habitually covering their mouth when smiling or laughing, avoiding photographs, or consciously limiting facial expressions in public. This restriction of natural expression has documented effects on social performance and perceived approachability Workplace confidence: studies on first impressions consistently show that dental appearance influences perceptions of attractiveness, intelligence, and competence in professional settings. While this reflects social bias rather than objective reality, its impact on the individual’s professional confidence is real and well-documented Social anxiety: dental anxiety and social self-consciousness about teeth are recognised contributors to broader social anxiety in some patients. For individuals in this group, orthodontic treatment can be a meaningful intervention in their psychological wellbeing — not just their dental health Thinking about what orthodontic treatment could do for you? A virtual assessment from a specialist orthodontist gives you a personalised view of your options — before you book a paid consultation. Start your free assessment → ## The Psychological Experience of Treatment Itself It is worth being honest about the psychological dimension of being in orthodontic treatment, not just after it. The process is not always easy: Initial self-consciousness: most patients — particularly adults — report feeling self-conscious in the first few weeks of wearing fixed braces, especially in professional or social situations. This is a normal and typically short-lived phase. Many patients report that colleagues, friends, and acquaintances barely notice the braces after the first week or two The mid-treatment dip: several months into a long treatment, patients often go through a phase where the end feels far away and the novelty of starting has worn off. Having a clear understanding of the treatment timeline and seeing progress through photographs or comparison to the original models can help maintain motivation during this phase Celebrating the result: the removal of braces is consistently described by patients as one of the most emotionally positive dental appointments they have experienced. The compound effect of months of gradual change becoming suddenly visible as a whole often exceeds patients’ expectations of the final result 97% Of patients in one UK study reported satisfaction with their orthodontic treatment outcome — with improved confidence the most frequently cited benefit Adults too Psychological benefits are reported consistently across age groups — adult patients report particularly high treatment satisfaction and often describe wishing they had started sooner Exceeds Patient expectations — research consistently finds that quality-of-life improvements after orthodontic treatment exceed what patients anticipated before starting ## Orthodontics and Mental Health: Important Caveats While the psychological benefits of orthodontic treatment are well-documented, there are important nuances to acknowledge: Orthodontics is not a treatment for underlying mental health conditions: if concerns about dental appearance are part of a broader pattern of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or severe depression, orthodontic treatment alone is unlikely to resolve the underlying psychological condition. If you find that your concern about your teeth is disproportionate to what others observe, or that you are never satisfied with your appearance regardless of what changes are made, speaking to a mental health professional is important before pursuing dental treatment Realistic expectations: orthodontic treatment will improve the alignment and position of your teeth to the extent that the biology allows. Patients with highly specific expectations about exactly what they want their teeth to look like may be disappointed if their expectation cannot be fully achieved within the limits of tooth movement. A good orthodontic consultation establishes realistic expectations before treatment begins Important If you have been living with significant self-consciousness about your teeth for years and have been repeatedly delaying getting an orthodontic assessment — this is the moment to stop delaying. The research is clear that the psychological benefits of treatment are real, substantial, and persist long after treatment ends. A virtual assessment from a specialist orthodontist gives you the clinical view of what treatment could achieve for your specific situation, before you commit to anything more. Take the First Step Towards a Smile You’re Proud Of A virtual assessment from a specialist orthodontist is the lowest-commitment first step you can take — a personalised view of your treatment options, with no obligation to proceed. Start Your Free Assessment → ## FAQs ### Does orthodontic treatment improve confidence? Yes — the research evidence on this is substantial and consistent. Multiple systematic reviews and studies have found that patients who complete orthodontic treatment report significant improvements in self-confidence, self-esteem, and social wellbeing. The most commonly cited benefit by patients is the ability to smile openly and without self-consciousness. These improvements are reported by both teenage and adult patients, and research consistently finds that they exceed what patients anticipated before starting treatment. The psychological benefits are particularly marked in adults who had avoided treatment for years due to concerns about the visibility of braces. ### Is orthodontic treatment worth it for self-confidence? For patients who experience genuine self-consciousness about their teeth — avoiding smiling in photos, covering their mouth, or feeling uncomfortable in professional or social situations — orthodontic treatment typically delivers outcomes that patients describe as transformative. Patient satisfaction rates with orthodontic outcomes are consistently very high, and many patients report that the improvement in confidence was the most significant benefit, ahead of the aesthetic or functional changes to their teeth. Whether the investment is ‘worth it’ is a personal decision, but the evidence strongly supports the psychological benefits being real and lasting. ### Does having straight teeth make you more confident? Research in social psychology and dental health consistently finds that dental appearance is a significant factor in self-perception and social confidence. People who feel comfortable with their smile are more likely to smile openly, which is associated with more positive social interactions, greater perceived approachability, and better professional relationships. Studies show that patients who complete orthodontic treatment report markedly improved social confidence, reduced smile avoidance behaviour, and better quality of life compared to before treatment. These are well-documented psychological outcomes — not marketing claims. ### Are adults happy with orthodontic treatment results? Yes — adult patients report very high levels of satisfaction with orthodontic treatment outcomes. Research consistently finds that adult satisfaction rates are at least as high as those for teenage patients, and that adults are particularly likely to report that the benefits exceeded their expectations. One of the most common observations from adult patients is that they wish they had started treatment sooner. Adults considering treatment are often deterred by concerns about appearance during treatment, cost, and time commitment — but post-treatment satisfaction data suggests that those who proceed almost universally consider it one of the best decisions they made for their wellbeing. ### Does orthodontic treatment improve confidence? Yes — the research evidence on this is substantial and consistent. Multiple systematic reviews and studies have found that patients who complete orthodontic treatment report significant improvements in self-confidence, self-esteem, and social wellbeing. The most commonly cited benefit by patients is the ability to smile openly and without self-consciousness. These improvements are reported by both teenage and adult patients, and research consistently finds that they exceed what patients anticipated before starting treatment. The psychological benefits are particularly marked in adults who had avoided treatment for years due to concerns about the visibility of braces. ### Is orthodontic treatment worth it for self-confidence? For patients who experience genuine self-consciousness about their teeth — avoiding smiling in photos, covering their mouth, or feeling uncomfortable in professional or social situations — orthodontic treatment typically delivers outcomes that patients describe as transformative. Patient satisfaction rates with orthodontic outcomes are consistently very high, and many patients report that the improvement in confidence was the most significant benefit, ahead of the aesthetic or functional changes to their teeth. Whether the investment is ‘worth it’ is a personal decision, but the evidence strongly supports the psychological benefits being real and lasting. ### Does having straight teeth make you more confident? Research in social psychology and dental health consistently finds that dental appearance is a significant factor in self-perception and social confidence. People who feel comfortable with their smile are more likely to smile openly, which is associated with more positive social interactions, greater perceived approachability, and better professional relationships. Studies show that patients who complete orthodontic treatment report markedly improved social confidence, reduced smile avoidance behaviour, and better quality of life compared to before treatment. These are well-documented psychological outcomes — not marketing claims. ### Are adults happy with orthodontic treatment results? Yes — adult patients report very high levels of satisfaction with orthodontic treatment outcomes. Research consistently finds that adult satisfaction rates are at least as high as those for teenage patients, and that adults are particularly likely to report that the benefits exceeded their expectations. One of the most common observations from adult patients is that they wish they had started treatment sooner. Adults considering treatment are often deterred by concerns about appearance during treatment, cost, and time commitment — but post-treatment satisfaction data suggests that those who proceed almost universally consider it one of the best decisions they made for their wellbeing. ## References - European Journal of Orthodontics — Psychological impact of orthodontic treatment: a systematic review (https://academic.oup.com/ejo) - Systematic review of the evidence on the psychological outcomes of orthodontic treatment, covering self-concept, self-esteem, quality of life, and social wellbeing measures before and after treatment, the consistency of findings across different patient populations and age groups, and the conclusion that orthodontic treatment produces meaningful and sustained improvements in psychological wellbeing. - British Orthodontic Society — Patient satisfaction and quality of life outcomes from orthodontic treatment (https://www.bos.org.uk/professionals/clinical-effectiveness) - BOS research on patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction following orthodontic treatment in UK patients, including the most commonly cited benefits of treatment, the rates of overall satisfaction, the specific improvements in confidence and smile-related quality of life, and the proportion of patients who report that the psychological benefits of treatment exceeded their expectations before starting. - Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) — Malocclusion and quality of life: population studies (https://www.dentalhealth.org/) - Research using the validated Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) instrument to measure the impact of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment on oral health-related quality of life, including comparisons between treated and untreated patients with similar levels of malocclusion, the domains of quality of life most affected by dental misalignment, and the improvements observed across those domains following orthodontic treatment. - European Journal of Orthodontics — Psychological impact of orthodontic treatment: a systematic review (https://academic.oup.com/ejo) - Systematic review of the evidence on the psychological outcomes of orthodontic treatment, covering self-concept, self-esteem, quality of life, and social wellbeing measures before and after treatment, the consistency of findings across different patient populations and age groups, and the conclusion that orthodontic treatment produces meaningful and sustained improvements in psychological wellbeing. - British Orthodontic Society — Patient satisfaction and quality of life outcomes from orthodontic treatment (https://www.bos.org.uk/professionals/clinical-effectiveness) - BOS research on patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction following orthodontic treatment in UK patients, including the most commonly cited benefits of treatment, the rates of overall satisfaction, the specific improvements in confidence and smile-related quality of life, and the proportion of patients who report that the psychological benefits of treatment exceeded their expectations before starting. - Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) — Malocclusion and quality of life: population studies (https://www.dentalhealth.org/) - Research using the validated Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) instrument to measure the impact of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment on oral health-related quality of life, including comparisons between treated and untreated patients with similar levels of malocclusion, the domains of quality of life most affected by dental misalignment, and the improvements observed across those domains following orthodontic treatment.